The United Nations General Assembly by consensus, has adopted a resolution on its role in promoting a new global human order (NGHO).
According to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs the resolution was proposed by Guyana with support from the Caribbean Community and the Rio Group, and it recognises the need for a comprehensive and holistic approach to a sustainable global development.
The NGHO “is concerned with the human development dilemma of persistent poverty and under-development amidst unprecedented global prosperity seeks to promote partnership and cooperation among all nations for greater and more balanced economic and social progress.” It calls for primacy to be given to people in the development process in order to create an environment where human beings can develop their potential and contribute meaningfully to their societies.
In the debate on the item held on December 17, speakers alluded to the fact that while new and expanded opportunities and greater prosperity had been realised for many states, the contemporary order was increasingly marked by uneven levels of progress. The NGHO offers a qualitatively different approach to development that addresses these realities.
The consensus text also recognises that inequality within and among countries is a concern for all countries regardless of their level of development – with multiple implications for the realization of the internationally agreed development goals including the Millennium Development Goals. Accordingly, the consensus calls on the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to submit to the General Assembly, at its 65th Session, a report on the implementation of the resolution including an assessment of the implications of inequality for development. It is expected that the report will provide a stronger basis for building over time a just and equitable system of international economic and social relations.
The ministry said Guyana introduced the NGHO concept in 2000. And, at the Rio Summit held in Georgetown, the Rio Group Heads had agreed to advance the consideration of the proposal.
The number of co-sponsors of the UN General Assembly resolution has grown to 75. The resolution was adopted following intense negotiations among member states of the world organisation.